Community Activists Spar Over Walgreens Project in West Hollywood

Proposed Walgreens project in WeHo

Update, Tuesday, May 8: West Hollywood City Council approved the Walgreens project on Monday night. Read reaction from those who opposed it after the jump.

For years, West Hollywood community activists were united in their fight to stop the construction of a proposed Walgreens at Santa Monica and Crescent Heights boulevards.

The mixed-use project had been stalled for years as a result, but plans have since been reconfigured and it may finally get approval from the West Hollywood City Council tonight. This time around, though, community activists are split in their opposition.

"It's a beautiful piece of architecture," says longtime activist Allegra Allison, "and it'll upgrade the neighborhood." Other folks aren't so sure.

"We all agree that something needs to be done on that corner," says Michelle Manire, spokeswoman for WeHo Neighbors, which continues the fight, "but the project is still too big."

Among a host of complaints such as building another chain drug store that's not needed in West Hollywood and even worse traffic flow at an already congested intersection, Manire also says the project "looms" over the neighborhood.

Allegra Allison, who lives two blocks away, counters, "It started off exactly the kind of building we had always been fighting. It was this huge gigantic block. But [Pacific Development Partners] actually listened to the neighbors. It's not a huge massive thing."

She adds, "Traffic is always going to be a nightmare there."

West Hollywood City Council members Jeff Prang, Abbe Land, John Heilman, John D'Amico, and John Duran will take a look at it tonight at the council's regular meeting. Manire wouldn't say what next steps may be taken if the politicians approve the project.

Update, Tuesday, May 8: The West Hollywood City Council approved the Walgreens mixed-use project last night. In response, WeHo Neighbors spokeswoman Michelle Manire writes to us in an email:

"Obviously, we are disappointed with the outcome, and the process. This whole project is a symptom of a 'system' in West Hollywood that is broken and outdated. That system feeds on apathy. Until enough of the people who are sick of the system take the time to stand up to it, and in a unified fashion, positive change won't come."

She adds that it's "really up to the community" to fight the project any further.

Contact Patrick Range McDonald at pmcdonald@laweekly.com.

Follow McDonald on Facebook and Twitter.

Tags:

Allegra Allison, Patrick Range McDonald, Walgreens, WeHo Neighbors, West Hollywood City Council

We Recommend

Rob

There are two contradictory arguments being made here:

1. "We don't need another chain drugstore in Hollywood."2. "The store would exacerbate crowded traffic conditions."

Huh? Doesn't the fact it would create more traffic problems indicate it would be popular (and therefore contribute sales taxes to the locality) and thus was needed after all? I mean, which is it? So now they would have to make the claim it would be too popular (and maybe contribute too much in sales taxes?).

The activists are fucking insane.

Jerome Dickerson

as Crystal implied I'm alarmed that some people can profit $9347 in 1 month on the computer. have you seen this website lazycash42.c()mlazycash42.c()mlazycash42.c()m

Jerome Dickerson

what George replied I'm amazed that anyone able to earn $5349 in one month on the internet. did you see this site lazycash42.c()m

Jimmy Palmieri

I have had cause to use Walgreens Home Infusion services recently during an insurance change. I had been with another service for 10 years, and was used to a certain "standard." I was very nervous about the change, as I have heard that so many chain pharmacies do not treat you like a patient, but rather a number. THE OPPOSITE couldn;t have been true.From the moment i was placed with Walgreens, they handled my insurance without any need for me to stress on it. They delivered the medication by currier, not by fedex. I didnt have to wait outside as I always have , sometimes for 5 hours, so that the delivery man wouldn't leave, thereby making the medicine toxic, as it needs to be refridgerated immediatley. Many times i sent it back and had to fight for a replacement as it is extremely expensive.

The nurse that stayed with me for the 8 hours was kind, professional and as caring as could be. Trust me I was nervous but he made it as comfortable for me as possible.

I was called 3 times after the treatment. Once by the dept. head, then the pharmacist and then a special nurse to make sure i was well over the next 3 days. I was also invited to join a support group that they have formed for the community members who are dealing with this treatment. NO OTHER EXISTS AS FAR AS I KNOW.

I will take a Walgreens over any other chain store, and yes we need a caring pharmacy, large enough to handle difficult cases like mine. I am extremely happy they are coming to town (hopefully) as they have proven to me, that they are worthy of community support.

Traffic? IT'S ALREADY THERE. Don't turn your backs on something that will benefit the people of this community. Try to see other sides. There is going to be something put into that space. WALGREENS HAS MY VOTE.

Burkey Devitt

Hi Jimmy, that's truly great, but there are Walgreens stores all over the place. Traffic can most certainly be made worse depending on how busy an area is.

It's really sad that residents can try and try and try for years and it just doesn't matter to the people they (sort of) elect.